Never Have Boring Porridge Again Using These 7 Toppings

See ya later, grey and tasteless gruel.

Hands up if the first thing that springs to mind when someone says 'porridge' is a bowl of sad, grey goop. Yes, it may stick to your ribs, but if it tastes like cardboard, what's the point?

Maybe you're used to watery porridge (thanks, mum and dad), or you've just never taken a foray into the world of endless porridge toppings.

But with the weather turning colder every day, now is the perfect time to make porridge not boring. Delicious, in fact.

To avoid boring bowls of porridge, remember these rules:

Never skip toppings and have porridge plain

Always include at least one fruit

Always include at least two toppings

Always use milk when making porridge -- not just water

Focus on colour, texture and different flavours

For inspiration, here are seven tasty porridge toppings to try the next time a cold morning greets you.

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1. Peanut butter, banana and cinnamon

The key to a good bowl of porridge is a combo of flavours which work in harmony. Case in point, peanut butter, banana and cinnamon.

Simply make a bowl of porridge (or maybe breakfast polenta) and top with banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a spoonful of peanut butter. You can even stir these ingredients into the porridge while it's cooking for extra flavour.

2. Baked peaches, almonds and cream

To make breakfast more like dessert, try topping your oats with peaches and cream. You can either bake the peaches in a separate tray, or bake the porridge to golden perfection with the peach slices on top.

Serve with whipped cream and toasted almonds for crunch. Here's the recipe by How Sweet Eats.

How Sweet Eats

3. Medjool dates, tahini and cinnamon

Dates and tahini are a superb match, with the dates' sweetness balancing out the nutty, creamy and slightly bitter tahini. Add cinnamon for spice and you have yourself a satisfying porridge topping.

To finish, sprinkle pistachios on top and, if you have a sweet tooth, drizzle with date syrup.

5. Blueberry and coconut

This oaty, nutty, cinnamony creation is a far cry from instant oats mixed with water. Warming and satisfying, the combination of blueberries, almonds and coconut flakes gives this brekkie texture, sweetness and crunch.

6. Stewed cinnamon pears and pecans

Stewed pears (or apples) are the ultimate winter treat and there's no reason why you can't use it as a porridge topping. All you need to do is stew your favourite winter fruit (pears always work a treat) in a saucepan with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon.

Once caramelised, tender and golden brown, serve on top of the oats with pecans for crunch.